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Beyond the Buzz: Cortical and subcortical brain changes in patients with pulsatile tinnitus
Justin Remer1, Kazim Narsinh2, Travis Caton3
1UCSF Department of Diagnostic Radiology, United States.
Neuroimage. Clinical
|August 29, 2024
Summary
Pulsatile tinnitus (PT) is linked to significant brain volume changes. Patients show reduced thickness in key areas and altered volumes in others, impacting auditory processing and mental health.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Pulsatile tinnitus (PT) significantly impacts quality of life with heartbeat-synchronous sounds.
- Neuroanatomical changes in PT patients are not well understood.
- Investigating brain volume differences may offer critical insights into PT's effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in cortical and subcortical brain volume in adults with PT compared to age-matched controls.
- To identify specific brain regions affected by pulsatile tinnitus.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of imaging and medical records (Jan 2015 - Dec 2021).
- Inclusion of 135 adults with PT and 135 age-matched controls (60-70 years).
- Measurement of cortical and subcortical brain volumes using Freesurfer software.
Main Results:
- PT patients (n=79) showed decreased cortical thickness in the anterior cingulate and entorhinal cortex.
- Significant decreases in left putamen volume were observed in PT patients.
- Increased brain volume was noted in frontal/occipital lobes, cerebellum, hippocampi, and ventral pallidum in PT patients.
Conclusions:
- Pulsatile tinnitus is associated with structural brain differences in regions involved in auditory processing and mood regulation.
- Findings suggest potential psychiatric sequelae of PT, highlighting the need for evaluation and treatment.
- Neuroanatomical alterations in PT underscore the importance of addressing the condition to prevent lasting changes.
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